Attention Johannesburg Residents: a troubling proposal from the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) now places cherished public assets—including portions of the Johannesburg Botanical Garden in Emmarentia, Marks Park, and Pirates Sports Club—at risk of being sold or leased to private developers for high-density housing or commercial use.
These spaces are more than real estate—they’re the green lungs and social heart of our city. They nurture biodiversity, support community sports and youth development, and stand as emotional landmarks built over generations.
Alarmingly, critical decisions have moved without public transparency:
- The item to initiate this “alienation” process was quietly listed on a council agenda for 25 June, but was postponed due to internal council upheaval
- The affected area spans approximately 173 hectares, including Botanical Gardens, Melville Koppies, UJ Sports Grounds, Westdene Dam and more
- Despite official statements claiming the Gardens were listed by mistake, residents remain unconvinced as maps show development boundaries dangerously close
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